I absolutely love my Yaesu radios (FT-60R) and (VX-6R). That said, when I talk to non-hams about EMCOMM and emergency preparedness, I still keep a Baofeng UV-5R within arm’s reach to show them how inexpensive it is to get into the hobby, or at least be able to monitor frequencies that will carry need to know information. Thanks for the video recommendations, and 73 from Southwest Oklahoma! Bryan K5WIX
Been a SW geek for 20 years.... watched a video of yours from 2yrs. Ago and immediately ordered a uv-5R baofeng to dip my toes in. Your videos are great, thanks!
Thank you for doing all of this testing! I started with a baofeng, and after just adding a decent antenna on a second floor, and i did an equipment test on a repeater over 20 miles away, and my buddy heard me on his car rig crystal clear 60 miles away... all i did was switch to a magnetic based car antenna, put it on the roof and now.its as though ive got a moderately professional rig (in terms of distance) made oit of a handheld... id llve to try out the wouxun, but i want to find the limits of this little guy first... For all of us who don't have Spectrum analyzers, or any other tools to analyze our signal, your information is invaluable to us. Thanl you!
Josh, Your videos are absolutely top notch! Thank you for taking the time to review these HT's both individually in other videos and collectively in this one. So very entertaining and informative! 73.
The Yaesu FT-4XR was my first radio and I can't say enough good things about it. You're spot on about the size and EDC-ability for that radio. Definitely a great first radio for any new ham.
The Kenwood TH-D74/D75 (@ $750) is the swiss army knife / perfect SHTF radio. Digital modes, tri-band, AM, FM (narrow and wide), USB, LSB, CW, APRS, Digipeater (75 only), bluetooth accessible TNC, GPS located D-STAR repeaters, cross tone support for complex cross band repeater configurations... pretty much anything you'd need for configuring different radio solutions for about any emergency scenario.
You are doing the right thing PERIOD, please never fall like many other UA-camrs which these days their only videos are about selling product. Not fun anymore.
I've had my new Kenwood TH-D75 and it's the best handheld I've ever had now. At a hamfest I still use my old HTS-202 because it rejects all the intermod and doesn't overload easily. It may be just 2 meters and not have very many memories, plus being a brick, but it's better in some ways than newer generation radios with broad front ends. I also have the VX-6R, harder to program frequencies into it on the fly than my new Kenwood though. So I think traveling around my new Kenwood will go with me on the road since I can load up repeaters in new places easily. I do think the VX-6R is the best radio for the money you can get of the traditional Japanese radios. Chinese radios still have a long way to go in my opinion. My ex-wife got me two identical UV-5R8Ws (8 watt version) and they are subject to interference from Bluetooth, LED lights, Wifi that a more expensive radio can deal with. And on transmit they are dirty, so I won't get on the air with them, only listen.
This is the RIGHT way to learn (new) amateurs about stuff. Not doing like half callsigns is normal, not doing like overpowering is normal, not doing small sourious emissions don't matter. Thanks for showing your responsibility.
I still love and carry my FT-65 with me every day, along with my FT-5DR. I think that it's one of the best beginner radios out there.I learned a lot on that thing. 73's KG7COA
Best radio for me? It’s the Yaesu ft-270 I scored. Yes it is a million years old and built like a small tank. Doing SOTA it’s ideal, tough, waterproof and fairly simple to use. It’s also the best I could afford (justify to a higher authority 😂). Great channel, I’ve learned a lot from you, thank you.
It's interesting that we the HAM community are doing what these manufacturers should have done before they sent their product out in the field. What ever happened to testing products before shipping. Thanks Josh for a good report. Take care and 73. Vic de KE8JWE.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse If the $20 baofeng can get harmonic suppression right, everyone can, and anyone who refuses to should be shamed. If you really want to twist the knife, make a series of UA-cam shorts comparing the harmonic results of each handheld to the baofeng.
watched your uploads recently was never into Ham hobby but by watching your uploads just got me a BF-F8HP and ordered a 18.5 ABBREE/tactical and holy moly !!! i was listening to another guy with his Baofeng UV-25 about 287 miles from my location ! thnx man , i learned a lot by watching ur uploads keep it up
You are completely right. We must not accept radios that don't meet standards. If we don't police ourselves then eventually the government will. Which would you rather?
Love the Alinco DJ-VX50 myself. Comparable to the Ft-65 in price and quality in my opinion. Each has its own specific set of features that set them apart. 100 dollar quality radio category.
Pues me acabas de dar una muy buena noticia!. Estaba pensando en comprar el ft60 " porque el Ft70 no me convence por sus carencias ". Buscaba un walkie de calidad y con banda aérea. He descubierto que el Alinco es un gran walkie!. Pero este hombre no lo mienta 🤔. Veré vídeos sobre él, a ver cómo es y cómo se comporta. Por ahora, es mi elegido!. Muchas gracias!. Si puedes contarme experiencias con él, lo agradecería
Josh, Appriciate these videos. I just picked up the smaller tinysa and a safecom 102 and was testing some radios. Holy crap, my talkpod a36 really lights up the tinysa.
My all time favorite is the TIDRADIO H8 Crystal clear model and my second choice is the TALKPOD A36+ crystal clear model but I only use it to receive airband
Thanks, great stuff. I am a new guy . I believe the best choice for me would be the VX-6R. I have heard good reports from everyone that owns one here in Alaska. I am not running out to buy just yet though. Their is still so much to do and test for. There may be something learned that will change trajectory.
Another +1 for the favourite which is the XTS5000. Absolute brick but it just works so well, as it should. Otherwise the ID-51A is my go to for true dual band. Great video as always Josh and thanks for your stand on the emissions issue. No way should anyone recommend a radio that has serious interference potential.
Hands down for a good, reliable, affordable dualbander that is spectrum compliant AND covers airband I think the Yaesu FT-60R is best. The hacker in me likes the Quasheng ht for all of the firmware updates it has. It can be made to transmit in SSB! That’s cool! I’ll build the LPF though to remain spectrum compliant.
Thank you for mentioning the harmonics legality, I’m looking for an HT at the moment and keep getting the same recommendations from channels that don’t mention that they are illegal to use.
Nice Vid, just wish you'd made it a couple of weeks ago :-) I'm obviously new to Ham, and after watching numerous Videos on UA-cam, I decided to go with the Quansheng UV5 Plus. Once I have my Licence, I will probably go for a Yaesu Radio, but in the meantime, even though I'm not allowed to Transmit, It's already been a good teaching aid, learning what all the Menu items are and how the work, and how to program the radio has already been a great help :-)
I started with a Baofeng 2 months ago, I now have 8 hand held radios but I can already see that I am going to end up with once of these Kenwood's at about $800. This is all your fault Josh. Thanks
I sold my FT70 to get an FT3D. In some ways the FT70 felt *more* rugged and nice to use than the FT3D, despite being ~half its price. Yaesu is a very confusing company.
That baofeng has an SOC radio that meets emission standards means others can too. They sell the nano VNA next door to these companies that make the radio, it takes hardly any effort to test them on the supplier end, and it's often a matter of a few cents for the surface mount components to fix them. The first one that is pushed hard by influencers and can still be unlocked like the UVK6 will corner the market
Nothing beats a XTS5000. I love mine, just wish is was dual band. And for the mid-price, my vote is for the Wouxun UV9PX. And I cant wait for your Motorola review.
My first radio was a Realistic HTX-202. Radio Shack Baby! but I go back aways (1997) . The Clerk would not sell me a radio until i produced a Licence. He gave me the name and number of the local club. I had my licence three weeks later.- kc2bkm
SAME! That was an awesome radio! My clerk also held me hostage for a while but eventually took my money as soon as I disavowed 11 meter verbiage and the use of a Roger beep.
Nothing beats the Kenwood TH-D74 so I have 2 because it does more than anything else for me. I do need to get the Wouxun KG-Q10H it is just so useful and with crossband wow. Thank you for showing it.
Well done Josh, a wide range of handhelds covered. I’m with you on the ID-50A, it makes more sense than I originally thought, especially considering the smaller size. I sure hope you’re correct on the D75A pricing but I’m skeptical it will sell for under $700.
Wow I have just realised although I am subbed, I haven't actually watched one of you videos in months, I am so sorry 😢 i always enjoy you informational videos.
you'd love it way more with cross band full duplex present in ft 530 for example. that one feature opens a whole new realm of possibilities and operating convenience. ;)
First video I have seen that explains the consequences of having an out of spec radio or transmitting in a way you shouldn’t. As opposed to “don’t break the rules” just because. I understand that the rules, especially originally, had purposes. It doesn’t seem that way anymore, at least from a beginners perspective
I am considering obtaining a license, and I have been contemplating acquiring a ham radio for the past two years. As someone with limited knowledge about radiocommunication, could you recommend a suitable ham radio for beginners? I have been exploring options like the Baofeng UV-5R and Baofeng UV-80, but I've noticed some negative feedback regarding the brand. Additionally, I am not overly concerned about spending a significant amount of money; I simply want a reliable and effective ham radio for a beginner. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Great show. IF ONLY, we were told the actual stats on each radio as you held them up. WE actually know what we WANT our radio to do, where it'll be used, how many family members can be added , license required?, range & such. Any private channels with abilities to monitor emergency? What will go 40 miles, city wide or farm to farm? Need to hear family in emergency. Maybe a category chart? Grid down scenario ? Thanks
Dude, I love your vids on HAM radio and portables. I'm just looking into getting a handheld of my own in deep south Texas. You've fueled a fire in me who's spark started with a shortwave radio during Hurricane Hanna. Would a handheld be able to receive from around the world like a shortwave would? (I apologize for my ignorance, I'm still very new to radios, but I'm really looking to learn) And would I be better off with a scanner/receiver or a radio like a Baofeng in order to just listen in on around-the-world broadcast?
Great one, I just started with a LILYGO T-Beam board and some cheap antennas on my car to get into APRS. I will upgrade into a full size antenna soon but I'm still impressed to get 30 km of range with the short ones. I just wonder what is the big difference between a PicoAPRS and the T-TWR Plus from LILYGO, it would be just 1/6 of the price?
So TH D75a is good? I have the chunky XTS2500 in VHF flavor. Very clear and reliable. CPS is no problem. I probably want to move up to at least a Tri band. But the quadband you mentioned sounds interesting.
I'm very close to grabbing an FT-70D and FT4x. To augment an old/ aged set of VX-150's which are 12 years old + . The submersable VX is calling me though. Not interested in digital, but the cost ... yes.
Loved the video! I am surprised to not see at least a nod to the Wouxun KG-UV9PX in the video though. While it came out before 2023, it's still selling like hotcakes and sometimes last year's model is still the best new model (and much cheaper also). ;) It has a USB-C battery option (so you can use the radio while charging a spare battery, unlike the Q10H), and it does 2m & 70cm very well (like a UV9D Plus or UV9P on steroids). I'd love to have you run it through the spurious shakedown also - have never heard any bad reports about it after thousands and thousands being used in the field. :)
Hey there! I am actually a fan of Wouxun. Last year the KG-UV9D Mate made my best of list. I'm always down to test and share about good radios with the community! Let me know what we can do.
You really missed the ICOM T-10. Great rugged dual band handheld. Submersible and with an unbeaten battery life. 80hrs+ in my tests. Other than that it’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do. Great and loud speaker, great battery life, and a very good receiver.
First thanks for the great videos. Next a question, I also use HAMRS, but what is the best way to log multiple parks from same contact... and the best way to log multiple callsigns from same contact? NS9T 73
If you are looking for a radio for communication between several like minded individuals that is able to integrate into a headset for hands free listening and can accept a PTT but also want to be able to communicate outside your immediate area if needed, what would you recommend?
Stick with good ones like Yaesu VX-6R, yea, they cost more, but you get what you pay for. I say get a 5R to start with in the hobby, THEN get a good one, Yaesu, IC, Kenwood, etc. My VX-6R is like a mini brick. Reliable and sturdy.
Would you consider making a video on the Baofeng UV M-13 Pro V2 10 Watt? I have one and it can transmit on three different bands, i think 2 meters, 1.75 meters, and 70 centimetres. It can listen on three frequencies at one time and can listen to 80-108 mhz fm, 108-136 mhz AM, 136-174 mhz fm, and 400-450 mhz fm. The radio I have saids it is FCC and CE approved but I don't so, but I still think it is a good for the price radio because it costs around 29 dollars.
In regards to the Talkpod: The german HAM Channel funfieber reported the same but later he got a new Radio from talkpod that also has a new pcb, you can see that in his vdeo, that doesnt have emissions on the harmonics anymore. The main problem is, that talkpod doesnt really mark their versions 1 and 2
I need help I can't decide between the ICOM ID-52A and Yaesu FT5DR. I have a technicians license that I just renewed haven't been in the game for a bit. My confliction is, I would like to try out APRS, but the ICOM ID-52A interface just looks better and the DStar capabilities seem unmatched for talking over digital? What are some of the Pro's and Con's that have lead to others purchases?
I appreciate you and all the other HamTubers for the general knowledge but also for telling the truth about dirty radios. Didn't the Baofeng radios have the same problem in the past with spurious emissions? I'd like to hear from more buyers but it seems that the Talk Pod folks have addressed the spurious emissions issues in their radio. If they have then they deserve to be forgiven as well. Time will tell.
Talkpod contacted me about it being fixed and sent a replacement… same issues. The baofengs vary greatly. As do the providers and specs. I still just recommend the vanilla standard Amazon uv5r as they pass standards.
I’m REALLY new to radios, and have recently joined my local fire/rescue on call company. Planing on getting my emt basic this fall. Would the Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band be a good backup personal radio for both department work and personal use? I live in Maine where the EMS freq is mostly 155.3000-4000. It looks like it has a number of good features for living in a state like ours. Any guidance appreciated!
Josh, I’m a newcomer to HAM. Don’t own one yet, but would like to purchase a set of HAM’s for emergencies, survival, hiking and such. I would definitely like to get a HAM license as well. What would be the best economic set of hand held HAM’s for me to start out with?
Thanks for your integrity, Josh. A lot of people listen to you and you're right...they should do it right, and we shouldn't accept anything else. 73
Agreed. I'm but a casual viewer (the science of it interests me). Your message always comes across as honest and sincere.
Well said , I like the choice of words .
I absolutely love my Yaesu radios (FT-60R) and (VX-6R). That said, when I talk to non-hams about EMCOMM and emergency preparedness, I still keep a Baofeng UV-5R within arm’s reach to show them how inexpensive it is to get into the hobby, or at least be able to monitor frequencies that will carry need to know information.
Thanks for the video recommendations, and 73 from Southwest Oklahoma!
Bryan K5WIX
I have a FT-60R as well, my first radio.
Josh as always a great video! What makes it great is that you stand your ground and lead from the front. Your advice is priceless!! TY
Thank you Frank!
Been a SW geek for 20 years.... watched a video of yours from 2yrs. Ago and immediately ordered a uv-5R baofeng to dip my toes in. Your videos are great, thanks!
Great to hear!
Thank you for doing all of this testing! I started with a baofeng, and after just adding a decent antenna on a second floor, and i did an equipment test on a repeater over 20 miles away, and my buddy heard me on his car rig crystal clear 60 miles away... all i did was switch to a magnetic based car antenna, put it on the roof and now.its as though ive got a moderately professional rig (in terms of distance) made oit of a handheld... id llve to try out the wouxun, but i want to find the limits of this little guy first...
For all of us who don't have Spectrum analyzers, or any other tools to analyze our signal, your information is invaluable to us. Thanl you!
I stand by my Yaesu VX-6R. Had it since 2012ish. It was my first radio and has still been a favorite
Josh, Your videos are absolutely top notch! Thank you for taking the time to review these HT's both individually in other videos and collectively in this one. So very entertaining and informative! 73.
The Yaesu FT-4XR was my first radio and I can't say enough good things about it. You're spot on about the size and EDC-ability for that radio. Definitely a great first radio for any new ham.
Which programming cable do you use?
@@jessiebeveridge742 I use the Yaesu programing cable for the 4XR. I believe it also works for the FT-65R too.
Great video Josh! Keep waving the flag of standards!!
The Kenwood TH-D74/D75 (@ $750) is the swiss army knife / perfect SHTF radio. Digital modes, tri-band, AM, FM (narrow and wide), USB, LSB, CW, APRS, Digipeater (75 only), bluetooth accessible TNC, GPS located D-STAR repeaters, cross tone support for complex cross band repeater configurations... pretty much anything you'd need for configuring different radio solutions for about any emergency scenario.
I'd pay 1k+ for a quad band 6m version.
You are doing the right thing PERIOD, please never fall like many other UA-camrs which these days their only videos are about selling product. Not fun anymore.
I recently bought an ID-50 and it’s my new favorite.
I've had my new Kenwood TH-D75 and it's the best handheld I've ever had now. At a hamfest I still use my old HTS-202 because it rejects all the intermod and doesn't overload easily. It may be just 2 meters and not have very many memories, plus being a brick, but it's better in some ways than newer generation radios with broad front ends. I also have the VX-6R, harder to program frequencies into it on the fly than my new Kenwood though. So I think traveling around my new Kenwood will go with me on the road since I can load up repeaters in new places easily. I do think the VX-6R is the best radio for the money you can get of the traditional Japanese radios. Chinese radios still have a long way to go in my opinion. My ex-wife got me two identical UV-5R8Ws (8 watt version) and they are subject to interference from Bluetooth, LED lights, Wifi that a more expensive radio can deal with. And on transmit they are dirty, so I won't get on the air with them, only listen.
This is the RIGHT way to learn (new) amateurs about stuff. Not doing like half callsigns is normal, not doing like overpowering is normal, not doing small sourious emissions don't matter.
Thanks for showing your responsibility.
I still love and carry my FT-65 with me every day, along with my FT-5DR. I think that it's one of the best beginner radios out there.I learned a lot on that thing. 73's KG7COA
Best radio for me? It’s the Yaesu ft-270 I scored. Yes it is a million years old and built like a small tank. Doing SOTA it’s ideal, tough, waterproof and fairly simple to use. It’s also the best I could afford (justify to a higher authority 😂).
Great channel, I’ve learned a lot from you, thank you.
It's interesting that we the HAM community are doing what these manufacturers should have done before they sent their product out in the field. What ever happened to testing products before shipping. Thanks Josh for a good report. Take care and 73. Vic de KE8JWE.
Prove it’s not intentional 🤷🏼♀️
@@HamRadioCrashCourse If the $20 baofeng can get harmonic suppression right, everyone can, and anyone who refuses to should be shamed. If you really want to twist the knife, make a series of UA-cam shorts comparing the harmonic results of each handheld to the baofeng.
watched your uploads recently
was never into Ham hobby
but by watching your uploads
just got me a BF-F8HP and ordered a 18.5 ABBREE/tactical
and holy moly !!! i was listening
to another guy with his Baofeng UV-25 about 287 miles from my location !
thnx man , i learned a lot by watching ur uploads
keep it up
Thats awesome! Thank you for watching!
You are completely right. We must not accept radios that don't meet standards. If we don't police ourselves then eventually the government will. Which would you rather?
Carried that Moto for most of my time in the Air Force. It's a tank.
Great stuff, Ty ! Ive had an Icom IC- V86 for several years. Its been a good radio...
Great video, Josh. My icom id-52 is my favorite this year.
The Best HT (dual band or better) necessarily without exception has >> Cross Band Full Duplex
ID52 and FT5DR, have both lots of fun. Thanks Josh. Have kept my first HH an Icom T90A also go fun very simple.
Why don’t these companies just fix the issues and just deliver a great radio. What’s so hard about this? Thank you as always for your great videos.
They’d have to add an additional $0.25 in parts.
Just ordered a FT-60R, thank you Josh for all the info. Will definitely be taking my tests soon.
I dont think the FT-65R gets enough love in the $100 catagory. Great video and well presented as usual. 👍
If it had airband I would pick it over the FT-60R.
Love the Alinco DJ-VX50 myself. Comparable to the Ft-65 in price and quality in my opinion. Each has its own specific set of features that set them apart. 100 dollar quality radio category.
And it has air band RX which the FT65 doesn’t.
Pues me acabas de dar una muy buena noticia!. Estaba pensando en comprar el ft60 " porque el Ft70 no me convence por sus carencias ". Buscaba un walkie de calidad y con banda aérea. He descubierto que el Alinco es un gran walkie!. Pero este hombre no lo mienta 🤔. Veré vídeos sobre él, a ver cómo es y cómo se comporta. Por ahora, es mi elegido!. Muchas gracias!. Si puedes contarme experiencias con él, lo agradecería
Love it. Being a fudd.. omg we ised to say that in scotland in 1980 when I started my radio journey. Then i had to go rx only due to my military job.
Josh, Appriciate these videos. I just picked up the smaller tinysa and a safecom 102 and was testing some radios. Holy crap, my talkpod a36 really lights up the tinysa.
TalkPod is a great demonstrator of Harmonics!
Great video Josh. I love my AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus.
Thanks for your integrity Josh! Well done brother. God bless.
Any time
Thanks for the links too, hope to see an antenna review for early 2024. Your real world testing is awesome. 😊
Definitely antennas, but also any other good accessories.
Merry Christmas, Josh. Thanks to you and your wife for all great content.
Love this Channel 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. Thanks for teaching and testing
My all time favorite is the TIDRADIO H8 Crystal clear model and my second choice is the TALKPOD A36+ crystal clear model but I only use it to receive airband
Thanks, great stuff. I am a new guy . I believe the best choice for me would be the VX-6R. I have heard good reports from everyone that owns one here in Alaska. I am not running out to buy just yet though. Their is still so much to do and test for. There may be something learned that will change trajectory.
Yaesu FT-60 is a HT radio that everyone should own. Fantastic simple radio!
Another +1 for the favourite which is the XTS5000.
Absolute brick but it just works so well, as it should.
Otherwise the ID-51A is my go to for true dual band.
Great video as always Josh and thanks for your stand on the emissions issue.
No way should anyone recommend a radio that has serious interference potential.
Kenwood TH-D74, Yaesu FT5DR and Icom ID-52A are my favorites.
I still can't believe this is the same channel I started watching years ago when I first got my license. Wow at the content quantity and quality!
Hands down for a good, reliable, affordable dualbander that is spectrum compliant AND covers airband I think the Yaesu FT-60R is best. The hacker in me likes the Quasheng ht for all of the firmware updates it has. It can be made to transmit in SSB! That’s cool! I’ll build the LPF though to remain spectrum compliant.
Got the VX-6R this year. Will go SOTA for first time with it!
I'm sad that you're not a fan of DMR. Although, I really like your channel and learn a lot from you. You're still awesome, Josh!
I have only owned and used a Kenwood THF-6A. Its old but still works fine
Great video. Bought a FT-60 this year and love it.
Fantastic presentation Josh. Thank you. I still use my Yaesu FT3D.
Thank you for mentioning the harmonics legality, I’m looking for an HT at the moment and keep getting the same recommendations from channels that don’t mention that they are illegal to use.
Nice Vid, just wish you'd made it a couple of weeks ago :-)
I'm obviously new to Ham, and after watching numerous Videos on UA-cam, I decided to go with the Quansheng UV5 Plus.
Once I have my Licence, I will probably go for a Yaesu Radio, but in the meantime, even though I'm not allowed to Transmit, It's already been a good teaching aid, learning what all the Menu items are and how the work, and how to program the radio has already been a great help :-)
Great video. Agree with all your choices. Love my FT60 and VX6.
I started with a Baofeng 2 months ago, I now have 8 hand held radios but I can already see that I am going to end up with once of these Kenwood's at about $800. This is all your fault Josh. Thanks
Dang straight
Great info, thanks as always for your excellent content! Greetings from southamerica
I still LOVE my FT70DR, so glad I got it when I did.
I sold my FT70 to get an FT3D. In some ways the FT70 felt *more* rugged and nice to use than the FT3D, despite being ~half its price. Yaesu is a very confusing company.
I still Love my ole IC-T81A quad band !
That baofeng has an SOC radio that meets emission standards means others can too. They sell the nano VNA next door to these companies that make the radio, it takes hardly any effort to test them on the supplier end, and it's often a matter of a few cents for the surface mount components to fix them. The first one that is pushed hard by influencers and can still be unlocked like the UVK6 will corner the market
Nothing beats a XTS5000. I love mine, just wish is was dual band. And for the mid-price, my vote is for the Wouxun UV9PX. And I cant wait for your Motorola review.
My first radio was a Realistic HTX-202. Radio Shack Baby! but I go back aways (1997) . The Clerk would not sell me a radio until i produced a Licence. He gave me the name and number of the local club. I had my licence three weeks later.- kc2bkm
SAME! That was an awesome radio! My clerk also held me hostage for a while but eventually took my money as soon as I disavowed 11 meter verbiage and the use of a Roger beep.
Nothing beats the Kenwood TH-D74 so I have 2 because it does more than anything else for me. I do need to get the Wouxun KG-Q10H it is just so useful and with crossband wow. Thank you for showing it.
Well done Josh, a wide range of handhelds covered. I’m with you on the ID-50A, it makes more sense than I originally thought, especially considering the smaller size. I sure hope you’re correct on the D75A pricing but I’m skeptical it will sell for under $700.
Thank you for the kind words. I have also heard credible rumors of a $700 price point. Somewhere between $600-$700 is likely.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse @N4DJC was right, $750
Thanks For The Video Josh I Have The Yaesu ft-4xr and I’m fiddling around with a quansheng uv-5r plus with the mods
The alinco DJ-MD5 models are pretty good too for the money.
Such a tease with the XTS5000, can’t wait for that video lol
Wow I have just realised although I am subbed, I haven't actually watched one of you videos in months, I am so sorry 😢 i always enjoy you informational videos.
Thanks!
I like being able to transmit out of band. I do a lot of remote hiking. If something happens I want everyone to hear me
I love my FT-60R.
you'd love it way more with cross band full duplex present in ft 530 for example. that one feature opens a whole new realm of possibilities and operating convenience. ;)
First video I have seen that explains the consequences of having an out of spec radio or transmitting in a way you shouldn’t.
As opposed to “don’t break the rules” just because. I understand that the rules, especially originally, had purposes. It doesn’t seem that way anymore, at least from a beginners perspective
Yeah, I grew up with the DARE program. I learned you need to explain why, not just DON’T
I am considering obtaining a license, and I have been contemplating acquiring a ham radio for the past two years. As someone with limited knowledge about radiocommunication, could you recommend a suitable ham radio for beginners? I have been exploring options like the Baofeng UV-5R and Baofeng UV-80, but I've noticed some negative feedback regarding the brand. Additionally, I am not overly concerned about spending a significant amount of money; I simply want a reliable and effective ham radio for a beginner. Your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you very much!
I used that Motorola when I was active duty, that thing never broke and I never had to worry about the battery
Yep next radio will be one of the Yaesu radios
Yes it's another baofang but the UV17pro gps is nuts. USB charging, gps, airmode, bottom flashlight. For $30 it will likely be the uv5r killer.
Great show. IF ONLY, we were told the actual stats on each radio as you held them up. WE actually know what we WANT our radio to do, where it'll be used, how many family members can be added , license required?, range & such. Any private channels with abilities to monitor emergency? What will go 40 miles, city wide or farm to farm? Need to hear family in emergency.
Maybe a category chart? Grid down scenario ? Thanks
Dude, I love your vids on HAM radio and portables. I'm just looking into getting a handheld of my own in deep south Texas. You've fueled a fire in me who's spark started with a shortwave radio during Hurricane Hanna. Would a handheld be able to receive from around the world like a shortwave would? (I apologize for my ignorance, I'm still very new to radios, but I'm really looking to learn) And would I be better off with a scanner/receiver or a radio like a Baofeng in order to just listen in on around-the-world broadcast?
Sure you can always start by listening. I like many of the SDR receivers on the market for that sort of thing, like the SDRPlay, RSP1A.
I like Yaesu but I'm quickly becoming an ICOM fan. The GPS repeater list feature is super nice. I don't understand why Yaesu doesn't have that.
Just got the RFinder and seems to do a TON. Similar $ to both ICOM and Yaesu top HTs. Not sure if it a cell phone with radio or a radio with cellular.
I just use the uv-k5 for listening. I have other radios which I'll transmit on when I get my license.
I like the Yaesu FT70DR
Great one, I just started with a LILYGO T-Beam board and some cheap antennas on my car to get into APRS. I will upgrade into a full size antenna soon but I'm still impressed to get 30 km of range with the short ones.
I just wonder what is the big difference between a PicoAPRS and the T-TWR Plus from LILYGO, it would be just 1/6 of the price?
Josh, love both my FT5DE FT65e M7CVK, Tony
So TH D75a is good? I have the chunky XTS2500 in VHF flavor. Very clear and reliable. CPS is no problem. I probably want to move up to at least a Tri band. But the quadband you mentioned sounds interesting.
I've been really liking my Retevis RA-89 for the sub-$100 category.
thank you.
UV-5R FOREVER!!! :)
I'm very close to grabbing an FT-70D and FT4x. To augment an old/ aged set of VX-150's which are 12 years old + . The submersable VX is calling me though. Not interested in digital, but the cost ... yes.
Loved the video! I am surprised to not see at least a nod to the Wouxun KG-UV9PX in the video though. While it came out before 2023, it's still selling like hotcakes and sometimes last year's model is still the best new model (and much cheaper also). ;) It has a USB-C battery option (so you can use the radio while charging a spare battery, unlike the Q10H), and it does 2m & 70cm very well (like a UV9D Plus or UV9P on steroids). I'd love to have you run it through the spurious shakedown also - have never heard any bad reports about it after thousands and thousands being used in the field. :)
Hey there! I am actually a fan of Wouxun. Last year the KG-UV9D Mate made my best of list. I'm always down to test and share about good radios with the community! Let me know what we can do.
You really missed the ICOM T-10. Great rugged dual band handheld. Submersible and with an unbeaten battery life. 80hrs+ in my tests. Other than that it’s not fancy, but it does what it’s supposed to do. Great and loud speaker, great battery life, and a very good receiver.
First thanks for the great videos. Next a question, I also use HAMRS, but what is the best way to log multiple parks from same contact... and the best way to log multiple callsigns from same contact? NS9T 73
If you are looking for a radio for communication between several like minded individuals that is able to integrate into a headset for hands free listening and can accept a PTT but also want to be able to communicate outside your immediate area if needed, what would you recommend?
FT5DR with APRS and all the different bands you can listen and UV5R bc you can unlock and use for gmrs , marine vhf . That’s only two HTS you need !!!
FT5 can be unlocked for GMRS and MURS.
What gets better range when it comes to handhelds? Ham or GMRS?
Stick with good ones like Yaesu VX-6R, yea, they cost more, but you get what you pay for. I say get a 5R to start with in the hobby, THEN get a good one, Yaesu, IC, Kenwood, etc. My VX-6R is like a mini brick. Reliable and sturdy.
Ft5 my favorite
Would you consider making a video on the Baofeng UV M-13 Pro V2 10 Watt? I have one and it can transmit on three different bands, i think 2 meters, 1.75 meters, and 70 centimetres. It can listen on three frequencies at one time and can listen to 80-108 mhz fm, 108-136 mhz AM, 136-174 mhz fm, and 400-450 mhz fm. The radio I have saids it is FCC and CE approved but I don't so, but I still think it is a good for the price radio because it costs around 29 dollars.
In regards to the Talkpod: The german HAM Channel funfieber reported the same but later he got a new Radio from talkpod that also has a new pcb, you can see that in his vdeo, that doesnt have emissions on the harmonics anymore. The main problem is, that talkpod doesnt really mark their versions 1 and 2
I need help I can't decide between the ICOM ID-52A and Yaesu FT5DR. I have a technicians license that I just renewed haven't been in the game for a bit. My confliction is, I would like to try out APRS, but the ICOM ID-52A interface just looks better and the DStar capabilities seem unmatched for talking over digital? What are some of the Pro's and Con's that have lead to others purchases?
I appreciate you and all the other HamTubers for the general knowledge but also for telling the truth about dirty radios. Didn't the Baofeng radios have the same problem in the past with spurious emissions?
I'd like to hear from more buyers but it seems that the Talk Pod folks have addressed the spurious emissions issues in their radio. If they have then they deserve to be forgiven as well. Time will tell.
Talkpod contacted me about it being fixed and sent a replacement… same issues.
The baofengs vary greatly. As do the providers and specs. I still just recommend the vanilla standard Amazon uv5r as they pass standards.
Awesome. Thank you!!!!!
I’m REALLY new to radios, and have recently joined my local fire/rescue on call company. Planing on getting my emt basic this fall. Would the Wouxun KG-Q10H Quad Band be a good backup personal radio for both department work and personal use? I live in Maine where the EMS freq is mostly 155.3000-4000. It looks like it has a number of good features for living in a state like ours. Any guidance appreciated!
Josh, I’m a newcomer to HAM. Don’t own one yet, but would like to purchase a set of HAM’s for emergencies, survival, hiking and such. I would definitely like to get a HAM license as well. What would be the best economic set of hand held HAM’s for me to start out with?
Retevis RA 89 just bought. Has good reviews.